13 nights of free concerts and new Sunday Sessions on the August and September long weekends will bring up-and-coming, trending and world-renowned musicians to Whistler Olympic Plaza
May 7, 2024: Whistler, B.C. – Whistler Olympic Plaza will host free live concerts and outdoor movie nights again this summer. With 13 nights of musical performances confirmed for the Whistler Summer Concert Series, Whistler residents and visitors can dive into the vibrant energy of live outdoor music through July and August.
New for 2024, Whistler Summer Concert Series’ Sunday Sessions will add two afternoons of live music and community connection featuring touring acts alongside dedicated sets by local musicians and bands. Sunday Sessions will take place at Whistler Olympic Plaza from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, August 4 and Sunday, September 1. Local musicians interested in performing can apply through the Resort Municipality’s online application process at whistler.ca until May 13, 2024.
“It wouldn’t be summer without the Whistler Summer Concert Series, and this year’s line-up of headliners is one of the most impressive yet,” says Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “On top of that, the addition of the Sunday Sessions will give our talented local musicians the chance to perform their original sets on the Whistler Olympic Plaza stage. Year over year, this series has presented a diverse array of headliners from around the world, and we are thrilled to see the opportunity for our locals to get up there, too.”
The Whistler Summer Concert Series line-up is confirmed. It will kick off with beloved Canadian indie-pop band Walk Off The Earth (WOTE) playing on July 1. This two-time JUNO award-winning multi-platinum band was nominated for two more in 2024—Group of the Year and Fan Choice. WOTE is well-known for its infinitely inventive covers, which combine found objects like bowls of pebbles and plastic toys with impeccable harmony and undeniable chemistry. It also has an impressive roster of original songs and collaborations with other artists.
With 13 nights of free music, the concert series presents music on Canada Day, Thursdays, and Fridays for the first two weeks of July before taking a break for Crankworx and returning for four weeks of music through August. Each evening’s programming will begin at 6:30 p.m. with live opening sets by DJs or special guests before the headlining performers take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Complimentary secured bike parking will be available for those who pedal along the Valley Trail to the event to support Whistler’s Big Moves climate action strategy. Plan to enjoy an early dinner in the village at one of Whistler’s excellent eateries or grab a delicious meal to see artists live, eat great food, and feel the vibrant festival energy at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Whistler Summer Concert Series and Movies in the Plaza Schedule
Monday, July 1 – Walk Off The Earth, opening DJ Foxy Moron
Walk off the Earth is a JUNO Award-winning multi-platinum musical phenomenon. In the past few years alone, they have headlined Red Rocks Amphitheater and Wembley Arena, sold out the historic Sydney Opera House, notched a top-10 single in Canada for 30 straight weeks and made it all the way to the top of the Pop Albums chart in the US. The chemistry between band members Gianni, Sarah, and Joel is infectious and undeniable as Joel’s driving and prolific percussion work and Gianni and Sarah’s remarkable vocal talents continue to exhilarate fans across the globe.
Wednesday, July 3 – Movies in the Plaza – Eddie the Eagle
Thursday, July 4 – Aysanabee, opening DJ Peacefrog
Aysanabee is a two-time JUNO award-winning alternative indie artist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter. He is Oji-Cree, Sucker Clan of Sandy Lake First Nation, a remote fly-in community in the far reaches of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. With a swirling mix of indie, soul, and electronic sounds, and pulse-quickening fingerpicking, the music is both hypnotic and melodious and has been compared to Bon Iver, Matt Corby, Hozier, Kim Churchill, and Kings of Leon, among others.
On March 23, 2024, Aysanabee made history as the first Indigenous artist to win the JUNO Awards for Alternative Album of the Year and the coveted Songwriter of the Year, for his EP Here and Now and was also nominated for Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year. Fun fact, former Whistler local Ali Milner co-wrote “Here and Now” and “Alone” on the award-winning album.
Friday, July 5 – The Sheepdogs, opening DJ Whitness
Built on the solid, classic rock foundation of three-part harmonies and dual guitar leads, Canada’s JUNO award-winning Sheepdogs blend Southern rock, groove-based psychedelia, and bluesy barroom swagger into a modern rock and roll revival. From Canadian roadhouses to global music festivals, their on-stage and on-road hours are countless, underscoring their endurance in the music scene.
Saturday, July 6 – Movies in the Plaza – Eddie the Eagle
Wednesday, July 10 – Movies in the Plaza – 500 Days in the Wild
Thursday, July 11 – Ibibio Sound Machine, opening DJ Doc Rhythmo
Ibibio Sound Machine’s signature style, epitomized in their latest album “Pull the Rope,” defies categorization, blending an eclectic mix of genres into a vibrant and infectious sound. Led by the dynamic duo of Eno Williams and Max Grunhard, the band seamlessly fuses elements of Afrobeat, funk, house, post-punk, and disco, creating a kaleidoscopic sonic landscape that transcends cultural boundaries. Themes of unity, empowerment, and political consciousness run deep in their music, reflecting the band members’ diverse backgrounds and global outlook. From the sweaty dance floors of all-night clubs to the sunlit stages of festivals, Ibibio Sound Machine’s electrifying sound promises to captivate audiences and ignite a spirit of joy, hope, and liberation.
Friday, July 12 – New Breed Brass Band, opening DJ Vinyl Ritchie
New Breed Brass Band’s sound, as showcased in “Made In New Orleans,” is a vibrant fusion of second line music deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of their hometown. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources their music pulsates with joyful chaos and infectious vitality. Infusing the rhythmic versatility of jazz, funk, and hip-hop with the soul of New Orleans’ street culture, they forge a path for 21st-century second lines. New Breed Brass Band invites listeners to join them on a musical journey down the vibrant parade route of their unique sound.
Saturday, July 13 – Movies in the Plaza – 500 Days in the Wild
Sunday, August 4 – Sunday Sessions
Line-up to be announced May 21.
Wednesday, August 7 – Movies in the Plaza – Next Goal Wins
Thursday, August 8 – Astrocolor, opening DJ Surgeon
Astrocolor, named Instrumental Artist of the Year at the 2022 Western Canadian Music Awards, pioneers a genre they aptly term “AstroJazz.” Inspired by jazz, psychedelia, and electronica, their experimental soundscapes evoke the spirit of 90s electronic acts like Air and Massive Attack. With over 10 million streams and national radio play in Canada, Astrocolor’s dynamic live performances have graced prestigious festivals worldwide and continues to push the boundaries of sonic exploration, captivating audiences with their innovative blend of jazz-infused electronica. Plus a guest performance by Kuba Oms will make their Whistler show even more special.
Friday, August 9 – The Suffers, opening DJ Soul Club
The Suffers’ musical style, showcased in their latest album “It Starts With Love,” is a potent blend of Gulf Coast Soul and socially conscious lyricism. Their sound, described as a fusion of 70s R&B, disco, jazz, and contemporary gospel, resonates with audiences as they navigate themes of love, growth, and self-acceptance.
Saturday, August 10 – Movies in the Plaza – Next Goal Wins
Wednesday, August 14 – Movies in the Plaza – Bob Marley – One Love
Thursday, August 15 – Fort Knox Five LIVE, with special guest Dunks
Fort Knox Five is bringing DC to B.C.! Known for fusing live instrumentation with electronic production the group helped pioneer a modern funk movement. Founder, DJ, and Producer Steve Raskin, brings a rare Live Band experience to the West Coast, curating an all-star ensemble that combines FK5’s Washington DC roots with some of B.C.’s top musical talent. Expect a night of bass, funk, disco, boogie, house and breaks! Special opening set from Dunks (The Funk Hunters) playing an exclusive all 45 vinyl set to get the vibes going.
Friday, August 16 – Colin James, opening DJ Mixmasterfab
Colin James, hailing from the prairies of Saskatchewan, has carved a legendary career spanning over 30 years in the Canadian music scene. With a string of accomplishments including 20 studio albums, eight JUNO awards, and induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, James is a true icon. His latest album “Open Road” received critical acclaim, earning him a 2022 Juno Award for best Blues Album. James’ musical style seamlessly blends blues, rock, and swing James captivates audiences with his electrifying stage presence and unmatched talent as both a guitarist and songwriter.
Saturday, August 17 – Movies in the Plaza – Bob Marley – One Love
Wednesday, August 21 – Movies in the Plaza – Mrs. Doubtfire
Thursday, August 22 – Trans-Canada Highwaymen, opening DJ ShotSki
The Trans-Canada Highwaymen (TCH) is a supergroup consisting of Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness), Chris Murphy (Sloan), Craig Northey (Odds) and Steven Page (ex-Barenaked Ladies). Four guys who have known each other for decades now, all of whom have written songs that have contributed to Canadian culture, like “I’m An Adult Now,” “The Other Man,” “It Falls Apart,” and “Brian Wilson.” The TCH live show includes selections from their album Explosive Hits Vol. 1 along with the Barenaked Ladies, The Pursuit of Happiness, Sloan & Odds tracks everyone knows and loves.
Friday, August 23 – Ocie Elliott, opening DJ LAZY FNGZ
Victoria, B.C. duo Ocie Elliott – Jon Middleton and Sierra Lundy – dream up dusty folk painted in broad strokes of acoustic instrumentation and lyrical eloquence meant for nights under the stars, long drives with no destination, and quiet moments of reprieve. After racking up over 15 million combined streams and receiving acclaim from American Songwriter, Atwood Magazine, PopSugar, and more, the pair cement this balance on their 2020 EP, Slow Tide [Nettwerk].
Saturday, August 24 – Movies in the Plaza – Mrs. Doubtfire
Thursday, August 29 – Drag in the Mountains, opening DJ Nat Morel
The Whistler Summer Concert Series is proud to present a family-friendly night full of amazing drag performances starring Canada’s Drag Race season 4 winner VENUS alongside season 2 stars Kendall Gender and Synthia Kiss. Supporting performers including Vancouver’s Next Drag Superstar winners Androgynass (2024) and Genesis (2023), Drag Derby winner Dolly H, Tiffany Ann Co, Bibi Souphresh, Batty Banks Hazel and more bring world-class drag to Whistler’s biggest stage.
Friday, August 30 – Boy & Bear with special guest Boo Seeka, opening DJ LDA.
Boy & Bear has attained a level of staying power that most artists could only dream of while maintaining their authentic vision and driving love for their craft. In addition to their five consecutive top 10 albums and over 250 million streams, Boy & Bear’s live show is a uniquely compelling experience that has earned the band a glowing reputation as one of Australia’s most outstanding live acts.
Australian electro-pop star Boo Seeka is opening for Boy & Bear on their North American tour and will join the show on August 30 at the Plaza. Boo Seeka’s smooth synths and uplifting beats will get everyone grooving and feeling good. With fellow Australian opening DJ LDA getting the crowd warmed up, this line-up from Down Under is sure to hit the right note in “Whistralia”!
Sunday, September 1 – Sunday Sessions
Line-up to be announced May 21.
